Stay Updated

The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Sep 4, 2025

Dispatch from Basra: Glimpses of hope in Iraq’s forgotten south

By Jon Wilks

Basra is proving to be part of a broader trend: improved security and visible reconstruction, despite persistent corruption and dysfunction.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Aug 29, 2025

Is the cautious China-Iran military cooperation at a turning point?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

With a new war between Iran and Israel still an immediate threat, China might need to ask itself: Is cooperation with Iran worth risking its diplomacy model in the Gulf?

China Iran

MENASource

Aug 28, 2025

The Gulf’s dark horse: Why Oman can seize a global trade realignment

By Nic Adams

While economic uncertainty is gripping many countries around the world, Oman has remained a steadfast defense and economic partner of the United States.

Defense Industry Defense Policy
READ More from MENASOURCE

Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

Learn more

Content

In the News

Oct 26, 2020

Fontenrose quoted in CNBC on possible US sanction policies towards Iran under President-elect Biden

By Atlantic Council

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

MENASource

Oct 26, 2020

Will US troops actually leave Syria in exchange for hostages?

By Abdulrahman al-Masri

While the talks between Washington and the Bashar al-Assad regime may be in its early stages, Donald Trump may want to secure some pre-election victories by securing the release of hostages and the return of soldiers.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 26, 2020

Slavin quoted in Hamasharhi on the US presidential election and its implications for Tehran
Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 26, 2020

Kadhim quoted in The National on Iraq’s view of the US presidential election
Elections Iraq

MENASource

Oct 26, 2020

Qatar Development Bank CEO: The “blockade didn’t stop us from growing” and “prepared us for other shocks” like COVID-19

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

On October 26, 2020, empowerME hosted Qatar Development Bank CEO Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al Khalifa for a conversation about Qatar’s efforts to boost entrepreneurship, diversify its economy, increase women’s economic participation, and prepare youth for the jobs of the future.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 26, 2020

Wechsler quoted in Arab News on Gulf relations
Elections Middle East

In the News

Oct 25, 2020

Wechsler quoted in The National on Biden and Trump’s foreign policy approaches
Elections Middle East

In the News

Oct 24, 2020

Wechsler quoted in Formiche on the Trump-Biden challenge in the Gulf
Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

In the News

Oct 23, 2020

Pfaff in DefenseOne: Want Real Security? Create Better Global Digital Rules and Norms
Iraq Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2020

Experts react: Sudan and Israel reach historic peace agreement

By Atlantic Council

Sudan became the latest country to normalize its relationship with Israel on October 23, as an agreement between the two countries ended the official status of war between them. Atlantic Council experts react to the normalization between Sudan and Israel, and analyze what it means for both countries and the wider region.

Democratic Transitions International Markets
Load More

Experts

Millennium fellow

Ala’a Kolkaila

Belfer Center Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School, Sloan Fellow - MBA'25, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Middle East

Millennium fellow

Ahmad Sharara

Project Engineer, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Education

Fellow

Adel Hamaizia

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Fellow

Edward Brady

Military Fellowship Alumnus/Alumna

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Middle East

Staff

Emilia Pierce

Deputy Director, Operations and Finance

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Conflict

Staff

Amy Cowley

Program Assistant

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict North & West Africa
Load More

Events

Public Event Thu, September 11, 2025 • 12:00 pm ET

US-Iraq security partnership after Operation Inherent Resolve
Iraq Security & Defense
Public Event Wed, September 17, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Implications of Middle East security trends for Latin America and the Caribbean
Conflict Latin America Middle East Non-Traditional Threats